Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 (IANS) Kerala is bracing for a spell of heavy rain as the northeast monsoon approaches, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for four districts on Thursday.
Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki are under orange alert, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places. The alert indicates the possibility of very heavy rainfall, generally between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours at isolated places.
Eight other districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad — are under yellow alert, which indicates the possibility of heavy rainfall, ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.
Kasaragod and Kannur are the only districts not covered by either alert for Thursday.
The Weather Department has warned of a further increase in rainfall activity in northern Kerala on Friday, with the possibility of heavy showers in several areas.
Sudden downpours accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also likely.
People have been advised to remain vigilant and follow weather updates as conditions may change quickly.
The approaching northeast monsoon, also known as the retreating monsoon, is an important source of rainfall for southern peninsular India.
Kerala receives rain during both the southwest and northeast monsoon seasons, although the latter generally contributes less to the state’s annual rainfall than the southwest monsoon.
The northeast monsoon season typically extends from October to December.
Its rainfall is particularly important for Tamil Nadu and adjoining parts of southern India, while Kerala can also experience spells of heavy rain during this period.
According to the weather office, people should avoid taking shelter under isolated trees during thunderstorms and stay away from open areas, water bodies and exposed locations when lightning occurs.
Those living in hilly areas should remain alert to possible landslides, while residents in low-lying areas should watch for localised waterlogging during intense showers.
The public has been advised to follow official weather bulletins and instructions from disaster management authorities as the rain situation develops.
–IANS
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